You see, to acquire Turner it will cost first- and third-round draft picks, compensation that all but killed interest in one of the league's promising talents. I hedge here because there's still time, with April 20 the deadline for signing restricted free agents to offer sheets.

The probability, of course, is that no one will jump for Turner. He's strictly a backup, playing only when LaDainian Tomlinson sits down, and has 157 carries in three NFL seasons, with 80 attempts in 2006 a career high. He also returns kicks.

So why, clubs ask themselves, spend two draft picks on him?

Well, the guy is good. Real good. When I asked one NFL general manager about Turner, he went on and on about his speed, quickness, power and vision. What he didn't mention is that Turner -- nicknamed "The Burner" -- has a career average of 6.0 yards per carry, improves his numbers each season and ended the Colts' unbeaten run in 2005 with a game-clinching 83-yard touchdown.

"He has all the intangibles you look for in a running back," the GM said.

What he doesn't have, of course, is much of a chance. Not with L.T. ahead of him. Turner plays only when Tomlinson needs a breather or when the Chargers are so far ahead they can sit the league's MVP.

But that's one reason Turner is intriguing. He hasn't absorbed the hits of, say, Jamal Lewis. He has far more upside than Ahman Green. And, frankly, he's a better, more powerful runner than Dominic Rhodes. Yet all of those backs signed free-agent contracts worth megabucks, while Turner sat home waiting for offseason workouts to begin.

That doesn't mean he won't cash in. In gaining the highest tender, Turner picks up $2.35 million for one year's service as Tomlinson's caddy. Then, when he becomes a free agent a year from now, he is auctioned to the highest bidder -- and, trust me, there will be no shortage of suitors ready to empty their vaults.

So if you're an NFL shopper, why not beat the rush? Why not take a chance on the guy now, figuring you can't do better in the draft than you can with Turner?

Well, some clubs have. They contacted the Chargers to see if they're willing to deal Turner at a reduced cost, but they might as well have been looking for snow in Mission Bay. It's just not going to happen. Sure, Turner is available ... for a one and a three. Period. End of discussion.

Still, teams call.

"Let's just say there has been a lot of activity," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said of the number of inquiries.

Smith isn't interested in negotiating. He has something of value, and he intends to hold it as long as he can. That means one more season. He knows Turner probably will exit as a free agent after 2007, but, as he said, "that's what happens when you have good football teams. Guys go to the market."

But 2008 is not Smith's concern. This season is, and he intends to protect his club in critical areas. He did it a year ago, with Shaun Phillips behind Steve Foley at linebacker. I think we all know what happened there. And Smith did it in 2005, too, keeping Drew Brees and Philip Rivers when the GM's critics predicted he would jettison one.

Smith wants Michael Turner around as an insurance policy against an injury to Tomlinson. In six seasons L.T. missed exactly one game, so the odds of something happening there aren't what you'd call high. Yet, Smith isn't about to risk losing Turner -- unless, of course, someone is willing to meet the Chargers' demand.

"I believe in depth," Smith said.

That's why he stuck the highest possible tender on Michael Turner. It would have been less expensive for the Chargers if Smith reduced the cost to a first-rounder alone, but then he would have invited interest.

Look what happened with Laveranues Coles in 2003. When the Jets made the mistake of tendering the wide receiver with a first-round draft choice as compensation, Washington jumped in with an offer sheet the Jets did not match.

Afterward, Redskins officials acknowledged they wouldn't have acted had the Jets upped the price to a first- and third-rounder.

That explains what's going on with Michael Turner -- or, more accurately, what is not going on. When the New York Jets needed a starter at running back, they didn't think about signing Turner to an offer sheet; they traded for Thomas Jones. It cost them a second-round draft pick for a former first-rounder who rushed for a combined 2,545 yards the past two seasons.

Turner is far more expensive, which is why nobody has budged. And why, in all likelihood, nobody will.

Michael Turner is the best back out there, but he's a rarity in The Year of Spending Freely: He's a back no one can afford.

Yeah and that one gaem wasn't due to injury. It was the last game of the '04 season against KC when we had already clinched the division and Marty wanted to sit LT so he'd be fresh in the playoffs. Brees and several othher of our starters took the day off and we still crushed the Chiefs. I think that might have been the last game Flutie started in his career.

Screw that! Why not just give away the team Ant! he is a top notch RB, a starter on most teams. You want to give them him and two picks for only two picks?! Your insane!

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1. I did add the 'lol' to it
2. If you want me to treat it seriously, we get four picks (1 first, 3 thirds) and that first will very likely net us Calvin Johnson. The Browns get three picks, get to trade down and get a RB who they hand the ball to often and early and we get Turner to a team that won't harm us.
3. I still think it borders on impossible that some team will pay up a first and a third and I am, in case ya didn't know, firmly in the camp of trading turner to get SOMETHING for him NOW when we still can. Backup RBs are easier to get then freak athletic WRs

1. I did add the 'lol' to it
2. If you want me to treat it seriously, we get four picks (1 first, 3 thirds) and that first will very likely net us Calvin Johnson. The Browns get three picks, get to trade down and get a RB who they hand the ball to often and early and we get Turner to a team that won't harm us.
3. I still think it borders on impossible that some team will pay up a first and a third and I am, in case ya didn't know, firmly in the camp of trading turner to get SOMETHING for him NOW when we still can. Backup RBs are easier to get then freak athletic WRs

Your still giving away two picks needlessly. You are saying that you want to give MT away. We give a fist and a second, and MT for a first and a third. That makes no sense, especially when we are asking for a first and a third for MT alone. Have you been taking trade lessons from bethard?

Your still giving away two picks needlessly. You are saying that you want to give MT away. We give a fist and a second, and MT for a first and a third. That makes no sense, especially when we are asking for a first and a third for MT alone. Have you been taking trade lessons from bethard?

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It is when that first rounder is the third overall pick which is worth a little more then our 30th overall pick. Our second would be used to make up hte difference. More or less this is a deal where turner would be the main chip to get up to grab Calvin Johnson.

Marshawn lynch is reported to have something wrong with his back. Which I'm guessing is the main competition to turner for teams wanting a good starting running back. It was reported on the nfl channel yesterday.

Its either a ploy to have lynch fall in the draft. Or lynch does have something wrong with him.

It is when that first rounder is the third overall pick which is worth a little more then our 30th overall pick. Our second would be used to make up hte difference. More or less this is a deal where turner would be the main chip to get up to grab Calvin Johnson.

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so instead of us getting an extra 1st and 3rd as we should get. You will give Turner, a fist and a second away for a first and a third.

Is your last name Bethard? Dont you get it, Turner is worth a first and a third alone, screw giving our picks away for the honor to let him go... The is crazy.

so instead of us getting an extra 1st and 3rd as we should get. You will give Turner, a fist and a second away for a first and a third.

Is your last name Bethard? Dont you get it, Turner is worth a first and a third alone, screw giving our picks away for the honor to let him go... The is crazy.

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Turner is the second best back in the leauge. Norv and AJ stated they want to run the ball more. Screw the WR. Sign Turner long term, because he is that good. Run it 60 times per game out of the wishbone, with the occasional TD throw to VJ, MF, or Spidey.

Our running game cannot be stopped. We have heard it how many times this past year from opposing coaches?

Concentrate on Tackles, DB's, and Safeties in the draft. Draft more Beef!

It is when that first rounder is the third overall pick which is worth a little more then our 30th overall pick. Our second would be used to make up hte difference. More or less this is a deal where turner would be the main chip to get up to grab Calvin Johnson.

Sure there are plenty of posters that have unrealistic expectations for what we might get for him. But you don't think Turner is worth the $2 point whatever mil for which AJ has aquired his services? That seems reasonable to me. I mean was there another backup RB in the NFL (with more than say 50 carries) that racked up 6+ YPC? I think a quality backup RB, especially one who's style contrasts sharply with the starter, is a major, though under appreciated, commodity in the NFL. Are some of us expecting too much out of a potential trade for him? No doubt about it...